This article will be updated.
COVINGTON, KY – The Madison Theater in Covington has permanently closed its doors after its lease was suddenly terminated and its doors were locked by the building owner, the venue posted on social media.
“This venue has been far more than a business to us. It has been a dream, a gathering place, a home for music, celebrations, friendships, and unforgettable memories,” the post states.
Frank Hulefeld, programming director for the Madison Theater and Madison Live! venues in Covington, took over the venues in 2021.
He signed the statement posted online.
The Madison Theater is located 730 Madison Avenue, across the street from the recently revamped building that’s home to SparkHaus and near the Purrfect Day Cafe and Galaxie restaurant.
The Enquirer is working to gather more information about the closure.
For now, here’s what the social media post says:
Who owns the property?
The building is owned by Enc Properties LLC, a real estate and property management firm, according to the Kenton County Property Value Administrator website.
The company is linked to Taylor Mill woman Lillian Esther Johnson, who’s listed as a registered agent of the company in its most recent filings on the Kentucky Secretary of State website.
Neither could be reached for comment for this article.
Covington mayor says city ‘stands ready to assist’
Covington Mayor Ron Washington said the city has long-valued the role Madison Theater plays in bringing live music and entertainment to the city.
In a Facebook post, he said, “Our Economic Development team stands ready to assist any operator or investor interested in the property. We are committed to supporting efforts that will keep this space active and productive so that downtown Covington can continue to offer the arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences that have become an important part of our community.”
The Enquirer could not immediately reach Washington for additional comments.
You can read Madison Theater’s entire statement about the closure in the post below:
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Madison Theater permanently closes, 4 things we know
Reporting by Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect


By Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
